Coleus Plant Care
Coleus plants are very popular for container gardening and hanging baskets
both outdoors, or as indoor houseplants. They also look great planted directly
in the garden in groups or as borders.What attracts most of us to Coleus
is not it's flower, but the colorful leaves.
Coleus plants are native to Africa, Asia, Australia east Indies, and the
Philippines.
Did you Know? Coleus plants are members of the Mint family! There
are over 3,500 members of this big, big plant family.
These tender annuals can be grown from seed or cuttings. They like sunshine,
but tolerate shade very well, making them a great indoor houseplant.
They also need and rich, soft soil that drains well.
Coleus plants medicinal value: They are sometimes used for weight
control.
Botanical Name: Coleus
Propagation:
Coleus is grown from seed or cuttings. Sow Coleus seeds by spreading them
thinly. Cover seeds with 1/8" of seed starting soil. Then, water lightly.
Plants germinate and grow rapidly, if the soil temperature is kept at 70
degrees or higher.
Growing Coleus from cuttings is also easy. If you like a neighbor or a friends'
Coleus plant, ask them if you can take a cutting or two. Place the cuttings
in soft, rich soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet at all times. Covering
them with glass or plastic will raise the humidity, and help them to root.
Coleus Plant Care and Maintenance:
Contrary to popular belief, Coleus plants thrives in full sunshine. They
will tolerate partial shade and to some degree full shade. However, leaf
drop is common, if they do not get enough sunlight, and especially if they
are moved from an area of full sun to shade without an adjustment period.
Coleus likes loose and rich soil which drains well. Use plenty of peat moss
and other loose medium whether growing in containers or directly in the garden.
Add a general fertilizer regularly. If growing indoors, use a liquid fertilizer
every one to two weeks.
If planting in your flowerbed, space plants one foot apart.
Coleus prefers well drained soil. But, do not be allow the soil to dry out.
While many plants will wilt and recover, these delicate plants, will wilt
and quickly die. Make sure that the container has holes in the bottom for
drainage.
Keep Coleus plants trimmed. Remove spent blooms, dead or dying leaves, and
cut back any stems that are are sick or unsightly. The plant will quickly
produce more. And, the plant will be bushier as a result of your pruning
efforts.
Coleus is very susceptible to frost. If you are planning to bring them indoors,
do so well before the first frost. In the spring, make sure to leave them
indoors until all danger of frost is past.
When bringing Coleus plants indoors, leaf drop can occur. Find out
How to avoid Leaf Drop.
More Information:
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